Huge waves at Mavericks injure spectators

Published 4:00 am, Monday, February 15, 2010

A surfer coasts in front of crashing waves during the seminfinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

A surfer coasts in front of crashing waves during the seminfinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

Photo: Adam Lau, The Chronicle

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A surfer drops under the lip of a crashing wave face in the semifinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

A surfer drops under the lip of a crashing wave face in the semifinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

Photo: Adam Lau, The Chronicle

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A surfer barely hangs on before a crashing wave catches up with him during the semifinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

A surfer barely hangs on before a crashing wave catches up with him during the semifinals of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

Photo: Adam Lau, The Chronicle

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Evan Slater tries to catch a giant wave in the first heat. Surfers from around the globe braved the 50-foot-high swells at Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Chris Bertish of South Africa was selected the wiEvan Slater tries to catch a giant wave in the first heat. Surfers from around the globe braved the 50-foot-high swells at Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Chris Bertish of South Africa was selected the winner.
Ran on: 02-14-2010
Evan Slater tries to catch a massive wave in the first heat of the contest. Some of the wave faces were estimated at more than 50 feet high, possibly the highest ever for a paddle-surfing meet.
Ran on: 02-14-2010
Evan Slater tries to catch a huge wave in the first heat of the contest. Some of the wave faces were estimated at more than 50 feet high, possibly the highest ever for a paddle-surfing meet.
Ran on: 02-14-2010
Evan Slater tries to catch a huge wave in the first heat of the contest. Some of the wave faces were estimated at more than 50 feet high, possibly the highest ever for a paddle-surfing meet.
Ran on: 02-14-2010
Evan Slater tries to catch a massive wave in the first heat of the contest. Some of the wave faces were estimated at more than 50 feet high, possibly the highest ever for a paddle-surfing meet.
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Evan Slater tries to catch a giant wave in the first heat. Surfers from around the globe braved the 50-foot-high swells at Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Chris ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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A stray surfboard coasts up a wave face alone during the first round heats of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

A stray surfboard coasts up a wave face alone during the first round heats of the Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay on Saturday.

Photo: Adam Lau, The Chronicle

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Mary Gram collects herself after being hit by a rogue wave that washed over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All non-emergency personal was evacuated from the beach. less

Mary Gram collects herself after being hit by a rogue wave that washed over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All ... more

Photo: Chad Ziemendorf, For The Chronicle

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People climb protective barriers as a rogue wave washes over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All non-emergency personal was evacuated from the beach. less

People climb protective barriers as a rogue wave washes over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All non-emergency ... more

Photo: Chad Ziemendorf, For The Chronicle

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Bystanders scramble to help a man with an injured leg after a rogue waved washed over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All non-emergency personal was evacuated from the beach. less

Bystanders scramble to help a man with an injured leg after a rogue waved washed over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where ... more

Photo: Chad Ziemendorf, For The Chronicle

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Bystanders scramble to help Betsy Foreman, 48, of Ukiah, with a broken ankle after a rogue waved washed over the beach during the Mavericks Surfing Contest on Saturday Feb. 13, 2009 in Pillar Point, Calif. Several injuries where reported. All non-emergency personnel were evacuated from the beach. less

Bystanders scramble to help Betsy Foreman, 48, of Ukiah, with a broken ankle after a rogue waved washed over the beach during the Mavericks